In those approaches, I select cooperative learning. Cooperative learning is an educational approach in which students work together in groups to achieve common learning goals. It is based on principles of social interdependence, mutual cooperation, as well as individual accountability. Cooperative learning improves the ability of students such as problem-solving, discussions, projects, and presentations. Each group member’s success is tied to the success of the entire group. Meanwhile, cooperative learning helps students strengthen their individual accountability, each student is held accountable for their own learning and contribution to the group. Students engage in meaningful discussion, share ideas, and provide feedback to one another. Under this approach, all the group members will learn how to effectively collaborate with others, including skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, and task division. These skills are valuable both inside and outside of the course.
Here has an example to verify what effects cooperative learning is taking for. Tom was in the second year of high school. He had an intellectual disability that made him not willing to participate in most activities. Because he was lacking in cooperative skills, his teacher took him to join various cooperating learning groups. At the end of the course was quite satisfying. As Tom found that he could take on roles in groups and contribute his thinking and concepts, which include organization of resources, demonstrating his ideal through different types of platforms, as well as cooperating with his group member, to ensure the project went well. After cooperative learning, Tom realized that he could make a valuable contribution to the team.
So far, cooperative learning has been shown to have several benefits for students. It promotes active engagement and participation, enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skill, and increases motivation and enjoyment of learning. Cooperative learning provides an effective way to enhance learning outcomes.
Reference
Felder, R. M., & Brent, R. (2007). Cooperative learning. Active learning: Models from the analytical sciences, 970, 34-53.
Ferguson-Patrick, K., & Jolliffe, W. (2018). Cooperative Learning for Intercultural Classrooms : Case Studies for Inclusive Pedagogy (First edition.). Taylor and Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351164641
stephanie says:
Hi Rick, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cooperative learning is very similar to my Open Pedagogy, which also includes collaborative projects. There is no denying that cooperative learning is significant for developing student responsibility. Thanks to your example, my perception of the topic of cooperative learning has become more apparent.
June 17, 2023 — 12:36 pm
Anastassiya says:
Hi Rick! Thank you for sharing your insights into the Cooperative Learning approach and providing an example. Cooperative learning is a great way to enhance students’ learning experience. Working in groups allows students to share their ideas and knowledge, learn from each other, and develop critical social skills. It is an effective way to promote active learning and engagement in the classroom. I wonder how can teachers engage students who are uncomfortable working in groups?
June 18, 2023 — 10:56 am
rickkuang says:
Hi Anastassiya, thanks for your comment. In my opinion, instructors can use the method of a step-by-step approach to help those students who are unwilling to join the group. First of all, let those students be familiar with each other. At the same time, the instructor provides individualized support, such as one-on-one meetings to address their concerns and overcome their discomfort. That is my thoughts, hope it will help.
June 18, 2023 — 3:57 pm
kevinsong says:
Hi Rick,
I think that cooperative learning is a very common way of learning as it allows for other member’s ideas and you can learn a lot off of your peers. Just recently I took a class on group dynamics and realized that there are a whole different types of groups that groups can be classified into. I think your example is very good and provides a strong point to your blog.
Thanks for sharing,
Kevin S
July 23, 2023 — 2:15 pm